Vacuum control system and method for a vacuum filling assembly

ABSTRACT

A vacuum filling assembly for filling the cavities of packaging with objects is described. The filling assembly has a handle which can be gripped by a user so as to manually operate the filling assembly. The filling assembly also has a hose which receives suction. A valve is used to control the suction applied to the objects, and is operable between a retain and release configuration. The filling assembly also has at least one prong which is in fluid engagement with the hose so that an object is retained at the end of the prong when the valve is in the retain configuration, and so that the object can be released into the cavities of the packaging when the valve is in the release configuration. An improved valve design facilitates control of the vacuum and helps release excess pills that can be retained by a single prong.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to filling packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, as well as to a corresponding method and system for doing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of packaging for small consumer goods, there exists different ways to fill such packaging which protects the goods during transport, distribution, and sale to the ultimate consumer of the goods. One example of such packaging is the blister pack or blister card, which is a term used for various types of pre-formed plastic packaging.

In the pharmaceutical field, as but one example of a field in which blister packs are used, the pockets of the blister pack are filled with medication, tablets, or pills. The pockets are then sealed so that the tablets are protected from the elements and secured within the pockets. The blister packs can be filled with the tablets using any conventional means.

Often, a professional such as a pharmacist will manually fill each pocket of the blister pack with a corresponding tablet, or with many different tablets for a same dosage period. It can be appreciated that one disadvantage associated with this technique is that it takes a long time to fill all the pockets of the blister pack, especially when filling out a prescription of medication for a long duration. It may further disadvantageously lead to human errors by placing the incorrect tablet in a corresponding pocket.

Other techniques for filling a blister pack exist as well. One example includes the system produced by Synergie Médicale BRG inc., commercialised under the trade-mark SynMed. This automated system eliminates many of the repetitive tasks which must be performed by a user, and employs a suction system. The website for the system (http://www.synmedrx.com) describes it as follows:

-   -   “Thanks to a suction pipette principle, the machine lifts the         medications out of their compartments and drops them into the         blisters. Seven tubes corresponding to the seven rows on a         blister card, on which each row is identified with the seven         days of the week, are individually activated by pneumatic valves         and guided by optical sensors. The medications are dispensed         with precision and in accordance with the prescription         specifications.”

Some drawbacks associated with automated systems may include: a) they may be too costly to install or operate for smaller pharmacies; b) they occupy valuable space within a pharmacy; c) they may require complicated migration and installation of information technology to manage and control operations; d) each pill in the machine inventory needs to be in his specific container for his particular size to avoid that several pills can be retained by each prong; e) they can be relatively complicated and time consuming machines to operate and maintain; and f) etc.

The Applicant, as described in CA2,843,074 has developed a vacuum filling assembly for filling the cavities of packaging with objects. The filling assembly has a handle which can be gripped by a user so as to manually operate the filling assembly. The filling assembly also has a manifold which receives suction, such as from a vacuum supply. A valve is used to control the suction applied to the objects, and is operable between a retain and release configuration. The filling assembly also has a plurality of prongs which are in fluid engagement with the manifold so that the objects are retained at the end of the prongs when the valve is in the retain configuration, and so that the objects can be released into the cavities of the packaging when the valve is in the release configuration. The size of the prongs can be adapted to the different sizes of objects to be manipulated.

However, when the above-described vacuum filling assembly is used to manipulate small objects such as smaller-sized pills, several pills can be retained by each prong. It then becomes difficult for the user to transfer single pills associated with each prong to a corresponding pocket of a blister pack. Moreover, control of the valve connected vacuum supply is also difficult to adjust with a single hand.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the above-mentioned prior art drawbacks.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, in a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the filling assembly comprising:

-   -   a hose receiving suction from a suction supply; a first valve         operatively connected to the hose and manually operable between         a retain configuration wherein the first valve is in an open         position and suction is supplied to the hose, and a release         configuration wherein the first valve is in a closed position         and the hose is free of suction; and     -   at least one prong in fluid engagement with the hose and         extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction         to a corresponding object upon the first valve being in the         retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and each         prong configured for releasing the retained object in a         corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first valve being         in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging,         there is provided an improvement wherein the vacuum filling         assembly further comprises:     -   a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between         the hose and the suction supply;     -   a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second         valve and fluidly connecting the suction supply and the hose to         an external vent;     -   a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second         and third valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first         controller, the second valve closes and the third valve opens;         and     -   a second controller controlling opening and closing of at least         the third valve whereby, upon actuation of the second         controller, the third valve opens and reduces a level of suction         provided to the hose.

In some implementations, the second controller can also control opening and closing of the second valve, for cases where the assembly is used to manipulate smaller objects or pills. Indeed, in such scenarios, the pills are sometimes so small that, even with a complete opening of the third venting valve, a plurality of small pills can remain retained by a common prong. In such cases, it can be useful to partially simultaneously close the second valve upon opening of the third vent valve, so that the second valve is opened to 80% of its maximum opened configuration, for example.

In some implementations, for more effectiveness in control of the system accomplished by the second controller, the second and third valves can be adjustable or proportional valves instead of On-Off valves. By actuating the second controller, the third vent valve could open anywhere from 0% to 100% and the second valve could close anywhere from 0% to 100%.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the filling assembly comprising:

-   -   an end effector having a tip receiving suction from a suction         supply; and     -   a first valve operatively connected between the end effector and         the suction supply and manually operable between a retain         configuration wherein the first valve is in an open position and         suction is supplied to the tip of the end effector, and a         release configuration wherein the valve is in a closed position         and the tip of the end effector is free of suction, wherein the         tip of the end effector is configured for applying suction to a         corresponding object upon the first valve being in the retain         configuration, thereby retaining the object, and the tip of the         end effector is configured for releasing the retained object in         a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first valve         being in the release configuration, thereby filling the         packaging,         there is provided an improvement wherein the vacuum filling         assembly further comprises:     -   a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between         the end effector and the suction supply;     -   a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second         valve and fluidly connecting the suction supply and the end         effector to an external vent;     -   a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second         and third valves, whereby, upon activation of the first         controller, the second valve closes and the third valve opens;         and     -   a second controller controlling opening and closing of at least         the third valve whereby, upon activation of the second         controller, the third valve opens and reduces a level of suction         provided to the end effector.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) supplying suction to at least one prong;     -   b) retaining at least one of the objects with the at least one         prong via suction;     -   c) if at least one prong retains more than one object, reducing         a supply of suction to the at least one prong;     -   d) placing the at least one prong and the retained at least one         object over a corresponding cavity of the packaging; and     -   e) releasing the at least one object into the corresponding         cavity, thereby filling the packaging.

According to the present invention, in a system for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, comprising:

-   -   a container for receiving and containing the objects therein;     -   a suction supply for generating suction; and     -   a filling assembly comprising:         -   a handle;         -   a manifold mounted about the handle for receiving suction             from the suction supply;         -   a first valve operatively connected to the manifold and             manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the             first valve is in an open position and suction is supplied             to the manifold, and a release configuration wherein the             first valve is in a closed position and the manifold is free             of suction; and         -   at least one prong in fluid engagement with the manifold and             extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying             suction to a corresponding object upon the first valve being             in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object,             and each prong configured for releasing the retained object             in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first             valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling             the packaging,             there is provided an improvement wherein the filling             assembly further comprises:     -   a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between         the manifold and the suction source;     -   a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second         valve and fluidly connecting the suction source and manifold to         an external vent;     -   a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second         and third valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first         controller, the second valve closes and the third valve opens;         and     -   a second controller controlling opening and closing of the third         valve whereby, upon actuation of the second controller, the         third valve opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the         manifold.

In some implementations, the second and third valves are fixed with respect to the vacuum source in order to alleviate the weight of the filling assembly and to facilitate manipulation thereof.

The components, advantages and other features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of some optional configurations, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing components of a system for filling a package, including a filling assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a retaining of a plurality of pills.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a positioning of a plurality of pills over a container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a releasing of a plurality of pills into a container upon actuation of a first controller.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an adjustment of a first valve.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a retaining of a plurality of pills, with some prongs retaining more than one pill.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a releasing of excess pills associated with a single prong upon actuation of a second controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Furthermore, although the present invention may be used with various objects, such as pills, for example, and as a result, is sometimes described in the context of the present invention as being use to fill a blister pack with pills, it is understood that it may be used with other objects, and to fill other types of packaging. For this reason, expressions such as “pill”, “medicine”, “pharmacist”, “prescription”, “pharmacy”, etc. as used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention to the filling of blister packs and/or medicinal pills in particular. These expressions encompass all other kinds of materials, objects and/or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, as can be easily understood.

Broadly described, the vacuum filling assembly 10, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1, is an article which, in some of its configurations, enhances the ability of a person to quickly and accurately fill a packaging 12 with objects 14. Details on the basic operation and components of the vacuum filling assembly can be found in CA2,843,074.

The filling assembly 10 can be any device, system, or mechanism whose collection of parts allows a packaging 12 to be filled with objects 14. In most embodiments, but not necessarily all, the filling assembly 10 can be manually manipulated by a hand of a user, such as a pharmacist. Alternatively, the filling assembly 10, its components, and/or its operation can be automated. The filling assembly 10 and its components can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the filling assembly 10 and its components are made of plastic, thereby advantageously reducing the weight of the filling assembly and allowing it to be more easily handled.

As will be further explained below, the filling assembly 10 may be held and manipulated by a single hand of the user, thereby advantageously freeing the user's other hand to be used as desired. It may be desirable to fill the packaging 12 for any number of reasons. For example, the packaging 12 could constitute a supply of medicine for a patient, and it is thus desirable to fill the packaging 12 with the prescribed medicine. In another example, it can be desirable to fill a packaging with perishable food objects and to seal the same so as to preserve the perishable food objects. In other embodiments of the present invention, manipulation of the objects can be accomplished with a robotic system

It can thus be appreciated that the packaging can take any suitable shape or configuration so as to respond to the different types of objects 14 and purposes with which, and for which, the packaging 12 can be filled. The packaging 12 has a plurality of cavities 16 for receiving the objects 14. In the optional embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the packaging 12 is a blister pack, and the objects 14 are pills. Since the purpose of such packaging 12 is to provide medication to a patient, the packaging 12 has eight rows of cavities 16 corresponding to different days of the week, as well as four columns of cavities 16. In another possible embodiment, the packaging 12 has seven rows of cavities 16, corresponding to different days of the week, and four columns of cavities 16, corresponding to the four intake times of a day (e.g. morning, noon, evening, and bedtime). Other configurations and shapes for the packaging 12 are possible.

The filling assembly 10 has a handle 18, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The handle 18 can be any part of the filling assembly 10 which can be easily and ergonomically held by one, or both, hands of the user of the filling assembly 10. The handle 18 can have grooves, textures, or other friction enhancers so as to improve the grip of the user's hands.

The filling assembly 10 also has a manifold 20, an example of which is also shown in FIG. 1. The manifold 20 receives the vacuum from a vacuum supply, which is further described below, and supplies suction or vacuum to the plurality of prongs, as also explained below. As such, the manifold 20 can be any chamber, pipe, conduit, etc. having one or more intakes or exits used to collect and distribute a fluid, which is air in most embodiments. It can thus be appreciated that the manifold 20 can have a different shape or configuration than the one shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, in some implementations, the filling assembly may not include a manifold at all as will be explained in more detail below.

The manifold 20 is mounted about the handle 18 so as to receive suction. The expression “mounted about” refers to the positioning of the manifold 20 with respect to the handle 18 in that the manifold 20 can be mounted directly to, or adjacent with, the handle 18. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the manifold 20 is mounted to the handle 18 and thus forms an extension of the handle 18. In another possible configuration, the manifold 20 can be mounted to the handle 18 and extend vertically downward therefrom. In yet another possible configuration, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2, the manifold 20 can be mounted to the handle 18 such that they are integral with one another—i.e. the handle 18 forms the exterior surface of the manifold 20. It will thus be appreciated that many different configurations of the manifold 20 being mounted to the handle 18 are possible.

The manifold 20 receives suction. The term “suction” refers to the force acting upon the objects 14 due to the pressure difference between the interior of the manifold 20 and the surrounding environment. For example, in most embodiments, the vacuum supply will cause the manifold 20 to have a lower pressure than atmosphere. This will cause air to be drawn into the manifold 20, thereby producing the suction, or force, which retains the objects 14 against the prongs, as further explained below. The manifold 20 may thus form a closed or sealed connection with the vacuum supply so as to advantageously improve the suction applied to the objects 14.

The filling assembly 10 also includes a first valve 30, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The valve 30 is operatively connected to the manifold 20 such that it can control the suction received and supplied by the manifold 20, thereby advantageously allowing the user to control the retention and release of the objects 14. The expression “operatively connected” refers to the link between the valve 30 and the manifold 20 such that the manipulation or movement of the valve 30 affects the suction received and supplied by the manifold 20. In most embodiments, but not necessarily all, the valve 30 is connected to the manifold 20 so that only one of the user's hands is required to manipulate it. This advantageously frees up the other of the user's hands to perform other tasks.

This link between the valve 30 and the manifold 20 can therefore take many different forms and configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the valve 30 is rotatably mounted between the handle 18 and the manifold 20 such that the rotation of the valve 30 prevents or allows the suction to be received in the manifold 20. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the valve 30 can be mounted directly to the manifold 20 and manipulated to affect the suction supplied to the prongs. In some embodiments, the valve 30 can be operatively connected to the manifold 20 so that it can be manipulated by one of the user's hands.

The valve 30 can be operated between two configurations: a retain configuration and a release configuration. In the retain configuration, the valve 30 is in an open position and the suction is supplied to the manifold 20, and thus to the prongs. The expression “open position” refers to the orientation of the valve 30 and/or one of its components such that the suction can be transmitted to, and received in, the manifold 20. In the release configuration, the valve 30 is in a closed position and the manifold 20 does not receive any suction. The expression “closed position” refers to the orientation of the valve 30 and/or one of its components such that the suction is no longer received in the manifold 20, and thus no longer acts on the objects 14. In some embodiments, the force acting on the objects 14 can be varied by operating the valve 30 between the open and closed positions, thereby advantageously allowing the user to adjust the suction as required.

The filing assembly 10 also includes a plurality of prongs 40, examples of which are also shown in FIG. 1. The prongs 40 interact with the objects 14 so as to retain them, and so as to release them into the cavities 16 of the packaging 12. One or all of the prongs 40 applies the suction supplied from the manifold 20 to one or more objects 14, and holds these objects 14 until the manifold no longer applies sufficient suction to continue retaining these objects 14. As such, the prongs 40 can be of any suitable shape or configuration so as to accomplish such functionality.

The operation of each prong 40 may be as follows. When the valve 30 is in the retain configuration (i.e. the valve 30 is in the open position), fluid is drawn through the body of the prong 40 and into the manifold 20, thereby generating suction. The prong 40 can therefore apply the suction to a corresponding object 14, thereby retaining the object 14. When the valve 30 is in the release configuration (i.e. the valve is in the closed position), fluid is prevented from being drawn through the body of the prong 40 and into the manifold 20, and suction cannot therefore be produced. The object 14 which was being retained by the prong 40 can therefore be released into a cavity 16 of the packaging 12, thereby filling the packaging 12. The object 14 can also be released by the prong 40 when the suction applied to the object 14 is not sufficient to retain it against the prong 40.

In some implementations, as mentioned above, the filling assembly may not include a manifold at all. In such embodiments, each prong could be connected to an individual vacuum tube or hose, each vacuum hose being connected to the vacuum supply. Different valves and controllers can then be associated with each hose. In such an assembly, the vacuum supply can be cut to individual hoses if the hoses are required for a particular filling operation. Moreover, this ensures a reduction in the weight of the components being manipulated by a user as the valve assemblies are located proximate the vacuum supply or pump. A computerized control system can then individually control, open or close specific hose lines of the filling assembly. In other implementations, the computerized control system can also illuminate target locations where the objects to be manipulated are to be retrieved and/or placed in its eventual final packaging, such as specific cells or cavities in blister packaging for example.

In some embodiments, the prongs 40 are mounted to the manifold 20 and spaced apart from one another so that each prong 40 can release the object 14 it retains directly into a corresponding cavity 16 of the packaging 12 when the valve 30 is in the release configuration. This configuration is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, eight prongs 40 are mounted to the manifold 20, and spaced from each other such that each prong 40 can release its retained object 14 into a corresponding one of the seven rows of cavities 16. It will be appreciated that the number of prongs 40 in fluid engagement with the manifold 20 can be more or less than seven. Indeed, there may be at least two prongs 40 so as to create packaging 12 or blister packs for shorter durations (e.g. 2, 3, or 4 days). The prongs 40 can also be spaced equidistantly from one another when mounted to the manifold 20. Such a mounting of the prongs 40 may advantageously better help in distributing the suction supplied by the manifold 20 among the multiple prongs 40. In robotic applications using the filling assembly, a single end effector element, with the vacuum supply connected to its tip, can be used instead of an assembly with multiple prongs.

To facilitate releasing of retained objects, the valve assembly further includes a secondary series of valves. A second valve 32 is positioned upstream of the first valve 30 between the manifold 20 and the suction source. A third valve 34 is positioned between the first valve 30 and the second valve 32 and fluidly connects the suction source 22 and manifold 20 to an external vent 36. A first controller 42 controls opening and closing of the second 32 and third 34 valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first controller 42, the second valve 32 closes and the third valve 34 opens immediately or preferably a period of time after closure of second valve 32. Hence, by actuating the controller 42, the user can more easily release the objects into the container, instead of adjusting the first valve 30. The sequencing in the opening and closing of the second 32 and third 34 valves helps avoid producing an air flow noise through the external vent 36. Upon release of the first controller 42, the third valve 34 closes and the second 32 valve opens immediately after or preferably a period of time after closure of the third valve to return to their initial configuration.

A second controller 44 is provided to control opening and closing of the third valve 34 whereby, upon actuation of the second controller 44, the third valve 34 opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the manifold. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, this temporary adjustment of the third valve 34 helps release any excess objects 14 e that are retained by a single prong 40 through a reduction of the level of suction present in the prong 40. Therefore, a single object 14 can be manipulated with a single prong 40, and mistakenly retaining multiple objects with a single prong can be avoided. In some scenarios, when manipulating smaller objects, the level of suction can be reduced by positioning the first valve 30 between its retain and release configurations, as shown in FIG. 5, to lower the amount of suction provided through the prongs and minimize the amount of excess objects being retained by the prongs 40.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the second and third valves 32,34 are separate two-way valves.

In other embodiments, the second and third valves can be integrated into a single three-way valve.

In some embodiments, the period of time between closure of the second valve and opening of the third valve after actuation of the first controller is about 0.5 seconds.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly can further include a relief valve fluidly connected to the suction source for protecting the manifold against extreme pressure gradients.

In some embodiments, a protective cover 48 can be provided for covering connections between the first and second controllers and the second and third valves on at least one of the handle and the manifold.

In some embodiments, suction cups can be positioned at extremities of the prongs to facilitate retention of objections in the retain configuration.

In some embodiments, quick connectors can be used to quickly connect the manifold, the suction source and/or any wiring between the controllers and the valves.

According to another aspect, there is provided a system 50 for filling the cavities 16 of a packaging 12 with objects 14, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2. The system 50 can be supplied as a kit or assembly of the components described herein to the user and put together on site.

The system 50 has a container 52, which can take any suitable shape or form, and which can be made of any suitable material (e.g. plastics, metals, etc.). The container 52 receives and contains the objects 14 which are intended to fill the cavities 16 of the packaging. The prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10 can thus retrieve and retain the objects 14 from the container 52. The system 50 also has a vacuum supply 54. The vacuum supply 22 can be any suitable pump, generator, or motor in fluid engagement with the fluid assembly 10 so as to draw fluid (e.g. air) from the fluid assembly 10 so as to generate the suction required to retain the objects 14. The system 50 also has at least one filling assembly 10, such as the one described above.

In some embodiments, the system 50 includes one or more filling assemblies 10, each one of which is in fluid engagement with the vacuum supply 22. This embodiment can advantageously allow one operation, such as a pharmacy, to provide each of its users (e.g. pharmacists) with their own filling assembly 10, thereby advantageously increasing their efficiency. It can thus be appreciated that the system 50 can be portable so as to set up wherever required (e.g. field hospital, pharmacy, indoors, outdoors, etc.).

According to another aspect, and referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, there is provided a method for filling the cavities 16 of the packaging 12 with objects 14.

The method includes the step of supplying suction to one or more prongs 40. The suction can be supplied by activating a vacuum supply 22, as explained above, which draws air through the prongs 40, thereby creating the suction.

The method also includes the step of retaining at least one of the objects 14 with one or more prongs 40 via suction. This step may be performed when the user, a pharmacist for example, receives the prescription from the patient. In order to fill the prescription, the pharmacist can supply the suction to the prongs 40 so that they retain the objects 14 (e.g. pills) with the prongs 40. If at least one prong 40 retains more than one object 14, reducing a supply of suction to the at least one prong will help release any excess object 14 e associated with a single prong, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The method also includes the step of placing the one or more prongs 40, with the objects 14 being retained by them, over the cavities 16 of the packaging 12. Continuing with the example of a pharmacist user, once she has retained the objects 14 via suction, she can release or deposit them in the cavities 16 of the blister pack, for example. This is achieved by placing the prongs 40 over the corresponding cavities 16.

The method also includes the step of releasing the one or more objects 14 into the cavities 16 of the packaging 12, thereby filling the packaging 12. The releasing of the objects 14 from the prongs 40 can be performed using different techniques. In some embodiments, the user can stop the supply of suction to the one or more prongs 40, thereby causing the objects 14 to fall into the cavities 16 via gravity. However, in some cases, the objects 14 may not fall in such a manner. In some embodiments, the user can impart a force to the objects 14 so that they are removed from the prongs 40 and fall into the cavities 16. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the releasing step includes stopping the supply of suction to the at least one prong and providing venting to the at least one prong after stopping the supply of suction, through the actuation of the controllers described above.

In light of the preceding, it can be appreciated that the present invention can provide advantages in that, by virtue of its design and components, the filling assembly 10, system 50, and method may provide a simple, manually-operable, and affordable technique for assisting users, such as pharmacists, to better fill packaging with the objects. In so doing, the present invention helps to reduce the complexity and difficulty associated with filling a prescription, for example, further improving the efficiency of its users.

Moreover, the handle 18 provides an ergonomic and easy to grip surface for holding the filling assembly 10 both before and during its operation. The manifold 20 may also allow for more efficient generation and distribution of the suction produced by the vacuum supply 22.

Furthermore, the valves 30, 32 and 34 allow for a relatively simple and easy control of the suction provided to the prongs 40, and can be relatively easily manipulated by only one of the user's hands. This manipulability advantageously may allow the user to more easily retain and release the objects 14.

In addition, the prongs 40 allow for many objects 14, and many different types of objects 14, to be retained in a single pass. Such efficiency may allow a user to fill more packages per unit of time, thereby increasing her efficiency.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, an adapter 60 may be added to the system in order to retain smaller objects that are not easily retained through the plurality of prongs 40. The adapter includes a plurality of secondary prongs 62 that are shaped and sized to be removably connectable to the extremities 64 of the plurality of prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10, thus creating an additional fluid connection therewith. The outlets at the extremities of the secondary prongs 62 are therefore smaller in size than the outlets of the extremities 64 of the prongs of the filling assembly.

As better shown in FIG. 3, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the adapter 60 can further comprise connecting members 66 for removable connection of the adapter to necks 68 of the prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10. In FIG. 3, the connecting members 66 are ring elements, but any other equivalent type of connector may be used.

Hence, the above-described adapter can be used when the prongs of the filling assembly are designed to retain standard-sized pills for example but then the user wishes to use the assembly with smaller-sized pills. The adapter can thus be easily installed and removed when manipulating differently sized pills.

In other implementations of the present invention, a robotic system can be used with the filling assembly. The robotic system uses an end effector having a tip connected to the vacuum supply. The robotic system can use a camera or vision system to locate the objects to be manipulated and can displace, pick and place the objects in a rapid manner. The camera or vision system can also be used to determine the size of the objects being manipulated and to activate, if required, the second controller of the filling assembly to remove any excess objects being retained by the tip of the end effector. As mentioned above, adjustable valves can be preferably used, with opening/closing adjusted as a function of the size of the objects being manipulated by the robotic system to ensure that the end effector picks a single object at a time and does not inadvertently drop the single object it is manipulating.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 

1. In a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the filling assembly comprising: a hose receiving suction from a suction supply; a first valve operatively connected to the hose and manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the first valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the hose, and a release configuration wherein the first valve is in a closed position and the hose is free of suction; and at least one prong in fluid engagement with the hose and extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a corresponding object upon the first valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging, the improvement wherein the vacuum filling assembly further comprises: a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between the hose and the suction supply; a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second valve and fluidly connecting the suction supply and the hose to an external vent; a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second and third valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first controller, the second valve closes and the third valve opens; and a second controller controlling opening and closing of at least the third valve whereby, upon actuation of the second controller, the third valve opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the hose.
 2. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second and third valves are separate two-way valves selected from the group comprising ON/OFF valves and proportional valves.
 3. The improved filling assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the two-way valves is a proportional valve having an adjustable 0%-100% opening that is adjusted as a function of a size of the object being manipulated by the filling assembly.
 4. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the third valve opens simultaneously upon actuation of the first controller and closing of the second valve.
 5. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, wherein, upon actuation of the first controller, the third valve opens a period of time after closure of the second valve and wherein the period of time between closure of the second valve and opening of the third valve after actuation of the first controller is about 0.5 seconds.
 6. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a relief valve fluidly connected to the suction source for protecting the hose against extreme pressure gradients.
 7. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a protective cover covering connections between the first and second controllers and the second and third valves connected to the hose.
 8. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising suction cups positioned at extremities of the prongs to facilitate retention of objections in the retain configuration.
 9. A method for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the method comprising the steps of: a) supplying suction to at least one prong; b) retaining at least one of the objects with the at least one prong via suction; c) if at least one prong retains more than one object, reducing a supply of suction to the at least one prong; d) placing the at least one prong and the retained at least one object over a corresponding cavity of the packaging; and e) releasing the at least one object into the corresponding cavity, thereby filling the packaging.
 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein step e) comprises stopping the supply of suction to the at least one prong and providing venting to the at least one prong after stopping the supply of suction.
 11. In a system for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, comprising: a container for receiving and containing the objects therein; a suction supply for generating suction; and a filling assembly comprising: a hose receiving suction from a suction supply; a first valve operatively connected to the hose and manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the first valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the hose, and a release configuration wherein the first valve is in a closed position and the hose is free of suction; and at least one prong in fluid engagement with the hose and extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a corresponding object upon the first valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging, the improvement wherein the filling assembly further comprises: a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between the hose and the suction source; a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second valve and fluidly connecting the suction supply and hose to an external vent; a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second and third valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first controller, the second valve closes and the third valve opens; and a second controller controlling opening and closing of the third valve, whereby, upon actuation of the second controller, the third valve opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the hose.
 12. The improved system according to claim 11, wherein the second and third valves are separate two-way valves selected from the group comprising ON/OFF valves and proportional valves.
 13. The improved system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the two-way valves is a proportional valve having an adjustable 0%-100% opening that is adjusted as a function of a size of the object being manipulated by the filling assembly.
 14. The improved system according to claim 11, wherein the third valve opens simultaneously upon actuation of the first controller and closing of the second valve.
 15. The improved system according to claim 11, wherein, upon actuation of the first controller, the third valve opens a period of time after closure of the second valve and wherein the period of time between closure of the second valve and opening of the third valve after actuation of the first controller is about 0.5 seconds.
 16. The improved system according to claim 11, further comprising a relief valve fluidly connected to the suction source for protecting the hose against extreme pressure gradients.
 17. The improved system according to claim 11, further comprising a protective cover covering connections between the first and second controllers and the second and third valves connected to the hose.
 18. The improved system according to claim 11, further comprising suction cups positioned at an extremity of the prong to facilitate retention of objects in the retain configuration.
 19. In a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the filling assembly comprising: an end effector having a tip receiving suction from a suction supply; and a first valve operatively connected between the end effector and the suction supply and manually operable between a retain configuration wherein the first valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the tip of the end effector, and a release configuration wherein the valve is in a closed position and the tip of the end effector is free of suction, wherein the tip of the end effector is configured for applying suction to a corresponding object upon the first valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the object, and the tip of the end effector is configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging, the improvement wherein the vacuum filling assembly further comprises: a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between the end effector and the suction supply; a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second valve and fluidly connecting the suction supply and the end effector to an external vent; a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second and third valves, whereby, upon activation of the first controller, the second valve closes and the third valve opens; and a second controller controlling opening and closing of at least the third valve whereby, upon activation of the second controller, the third valve opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the end effector.
 20. The improved filling assembly according to claim 19, wherein the second and third valves are separate two-way valves selected from the group comprising ON/OFF valves and proportional valves.
 21. The improved filling assembly according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the two-way valves is a proportional valve having an adjustable 0%-100% opening that is adjusted as a function of a size of the object being manipulated by the filling assembly.
 22. The improved filling assembly according to claim 19, wherein the third valve opens simultaneously upon activation of the first controller and closing of the second valve.
 23. The improved filling assembly according to claim 19, wherein, upon activation of the first controller, the third valve opens a period of time after closure of the second valve and wherein the period of time between closure of the second valve and opening of the third valve after activation of the first controller is about 0.5 seconds.
 24. The improved filling assembly according to claim 19, further comprising a relief valve fluidly connected to the suction supply for protecting the end effector against extreme pressure gradients.
 25. The improved filling assembly according to claim 19, further comprising a protective cover covering connections between the first and second controllers and the second and third valves.
 26. The improved filling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a suction cup positioned at the tip of the end effector to facilitate retention of objects in the retain configuration. 